“What should you do if an older gentleman insists on telling you a long-winded story?” Jack’s father asked, leaning back in his chair.

  Jack resisted the urge to sigh.

  During breakfast, he’d made the fatal mistake of mentioning that he’d already read The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness and was ready for the hunt on Saturday. This was now the sixth quiz question his father had asked to test his understanding of the book’s contents. Like Jack, his father had the Total Recall skill, so he knew the book word for word.

  “I should listen respectfully until he’s finished, without interrupting, before I speak again,” Jack recited.

  His father nodded. “Correct. And if a lady drops her handkerchief at your feet?”

  Jack smiled. “I would retrieve it, hand it to her politely, and avoid any appearance of forwardness.”

  “Good. And where does your napkin go when dining with the Baron?”

  Jack grinned. “On my lap, to cover my knees. Never tucked into the collar… that’s considered vulgar.”

  His father gave a small smile, tapping his fingers on the table. “And if you are introduced to a gentleman of superior rank, what should you do?”

  Jack answered, “Bow slightly, showing respect, and wait for him to offer his hand first before shaking.”

  “Excellent memory, Jack,” his father said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you already had the Total Recall skill at a high level. Your good memory will serve you well as a scribe.”

  Jack’s heart jolted. Shit! I did it again! He wouldn’t even gain the Total Recall skill until he became an Apprentice Scribe, and here he was, showing off [Perfect Recall]. I need to be more careful around Dad. He forced a grin. “Just a good memory, I guess.”

  His father gave him a look but didn’t press further. He checked his pocket watch. “Time waits for no man,” he murmured. Rising, he fetched his briefcase from his study, kissed Anna on the cheek, and headed out the door to work.

  Jack sat back, exhaling. He had the day ahead of him; plenty to think about, plenty to plan. But for now, for just a few minutes, he let himself enjoy the lingering warmth of the meal and the comfort of home.

  The calm before another storm.

  ***

  Jack repositioned his mask and cloak before pulling out the package containing the evidence of a wraith’s hunger drugs ring in the city. The package contained all the information he’d acquired from Mo the Apprentice Mage, including his deciphered version of the letter and the doses of wraith’s hunger he’d found in the velvet box.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  He checked no one was nearby before crossing the cobbled street towards a guards station where two city guards stood at the doors. Jack gave them a nod and pushed the small package into a drop box where Lundun citizens could drop off evidence of criminality.

  The two guards eyed him as he went on his way, but said nothing.

  Let’s hope they shut it down, Jack thought as he checked no one was following him.

  Five minutes later, Jack pulled off his mask and cloak and stored them in his pack before exiting the alley across from the tailor’s shop. He took a deep breath and checked that the three adventurers weren’t nearby, crossed the street, and entered Thorn and Tallow.

  The doorbell chimed as he pushed the door open to the smell of fabrics, natural dyes, and a hint of charcoal ink. Closing the door, he breathed a sigh of relief; he was safe… for now.

  “Good morning, Jack,” Thorn called from behind the counter. The old proprietor of the shop rose to greet him.

  Jack smiled. “Good morning.” He offered the old man his hand. “I hope I’m not too early to pick up my suit?”

  He planned to take his work suit home and then head back out to the Adventurers Guild to train with Nessa and Ella. He’d entered the tailor’s shop early—eight forty-five in the morning—so there was the risk his suit wouldn’t be ready yet.

  Thorn shook Jack’s hand and smiled. “No. Perfect timing. We’ve just finished your second outfit a few moments ago.”

  Jack looked confused. “Second outfit?”

  Thorn nodded as he led Jack through the shop. “Yes, the rush order for a riding outfit for the deer hunt, your father dropped it off personally. Congratulations on the invite. It’s a great honour to be invited at such a young age.”

  “Dad ordered me a riding outfit?” Realisation hit.

  Of course, he’d need a new outfit; he’d be expected to ride and shoot his bow from horseback. Though he could get away with wearing his new suit to the hunt, it could be damaged. The trousers, in particular, weren’t designed for riding a horse. Plus, he’d look out of place if he didn’t wear the appropriate outfit. As a commoner, it would be hard enough dealing with some of the young nobles who would attend.

  “He didn’t tell you?” the old man asked, stifling a chuckle as the pair entered the area of the shop where Jack had been fitted for his suit the previous day.

  Jack shook his head as he watched Tallow adjusting a hunting outfit on a mannequin.

  “No matter. It’s ready,” Thorn said. “We already had your measurements. We just need to check that it fits and make minor adjustments. Same with your work suit.”

  Jack’s gaze swept over the hunting outfit on the mannequin; his eyebrows lifted in surprise.

  The outfit was nothing like the sharp, charcoal-grey work suit he’d been fitted for the day before. This was a proper middle-class gentleman’s hunting attire, something a young man might wear on a deer hunt alongside nobles.

  Dad must have spent over a gold on it. He felt guilty about the cost of something he might only wear once.

  Tallow was adjusting the set of the jacket on the mannequin’s shoulders. He turned as Jack approached. “It’s a fine piece, this one. Should last you a good many hunts if you take care of it.”

  Jack ran a hand over a reinforced suede shoulder patch, designed to prevent wear from the bowstring. Maybe I could use the jacket for archery practice? The jacket was a deep forest green wool with a double row of polished brass buttons. Elbow patches matched, lending both durability and a rugged charm. Good, I can still store my spell scrolls in the breast pocket, he thought. “I didn’t know Dad ordered this.”

  Thorn chuckled, standing at Jack’s side. “Your father was quite particular. Said his son couldn’t be turning up looking like a clerk. No. He wanted you dressed appropriately. Functional, but with style.”

  “Dad does love tradition.” Jack gave a half-smile. Though he has zero interest in hunting.

  “Come now,” Tallow gestured. “Let’s get you fitted. Make sure everything’s sitting as it should.”

  Jack stepped behind the changing screen, slipping out of his day clothes and into the new outfit.